Sustainable Land Development Today - September 2008 - (Page 30)

VISIONARY FINALIST Tee’d Up for Sustainability From community outreach to low-impact and wide-ranging sustainable practices, this golf community is setting a course worth following. This is the third in a series of profile articles in Sustainable Land Development Today that feature the finalists in the 2008 Visionary Awards, which were announced in May. By Rob Kundert Golf courses are a challenge to make sustainable, but true to its namesake, Old Greenwood is making it work on the eastern slopes of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains, near Truckee, California. Named for Caleb Greenwood, a pioneer guide on the immigrant trail of the 1800s, Old Greenwood Golf Course and Community is blazing its own path to sustainability by finding alternatives to the intensive excavation, excessive water-use and runoff issues associated in the creation and operation of most golfing communities. The high-level of the project’s success is underscored by Audubon International which has certified it as a Gold Signature Sanctuary, the first in the State of California. The feat was repeated in the company’s adjoining development; Gray’s Crossing, which received the state’s second such certification. “When we came in, we were committed to be as green as the industry standards,” said Jeff Butterworth, project manager, Coloradobased East-West Partners, d.b.a. Old Greenwood, LLC. “We came in with the full philosophy that we are going to excel and out-do anyone else in the area.” At 5,850 feet above sea-level, the 871 acre development is integrated with the local topography whose indigenous flora is commanded by stately Jeffery Pines and large, open, sage-bush and wild-flower meadows. Seeking to minimize the impact on the environment, the developer clustered homes around the perimeter of its 100 acre, 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The end result has lead to a large amount of the property left undisturbed. Coupled with financial support of a series of foundations that benefit the community, the company’s outreach has resulted in considerable public buy-in for the project. “Most people have accepted us, welcomed us and like us,” Butterworth said. “Most communities of this nature are private. Ours is not only public. Even the roads are public. They are owned by the Town of Truckee. Our golf course is public. Anyone can come in here.” While maintaining high standards for building quality and land development, the project has incorporated a range of innovative programs for stormwater management, water reuse, material recycling and habitat preservation and creation. Construction began on July, 2002. The golf course and club buildings were complete as of July 04, 2004. The residential community is 60-percent complete. 30 September 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - September 2008

Sustainable Land Development Today - September 2008 Contents Our Voice The Bottomline Editorial Board SLDT Resources Digging Deep Oases of Capital Build a Better Business on an Interactive, Virtual Landscape Regulation SLDI in Focus �� SLDI Sponsored Summit �� Workshops �� Bookstore Tee’d Up for Sustainability Retention Solutions Wastewater Redevelopment Industry News Marketplace Products/Services Showcase Advertiser Index The Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - September 2008

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